My MIL, retired and often staying with us over weekends, refused to help by cooking for the kids while my husband and I work full-time, saying, “I’m a guest here!” Frustrated, I told her she was no longer welcome. A few days later, my 10-year-old called in tears.

I rushed home to find my children sitting at the table eating only junk food. The kitchen was trashed, with opened snack bags and spilled groceries everywhere. My son explained that Grandma had decided to “teach me a lesson” by taking all the groceries I’d bought, leaving the kids with nothing but snacks.

I feel angry, shocked, and guilty. Was I wrong to ban her? My husband insists she meant no harm, but I feel she crossed a major boundary, especially with the kids involved. I don’t want to cut her off entirely, but I’m worried this behavior could cause lasting damage. How can I protect my children while trying to rebuild trust? I need advice.